32. Jacksonville Jaguars

Like any team with a new front office in place, the Jacksonville Jaguars have a lot to accomplish this preseason.

However, on top of learning a new system, the Jaguars must also settle an uninspiring quarterback competition between Blaine Gabbert and Chad Henne.

Add in the fact that No. 1 receiver Justin Blackmon will be suspended for the first month of the regular season and it is easy to see just how tough it will be for Jacksonville to contend in the AFC South in 2013.

30. New York Jets

Rich Barnes-USA TODAY SportsCan the Jets find a way to rebound in 2013?

The New York Jets could be the biggest unknown in the entire league this season.

The team has talent, but several of the key pieces that helped the Jets reach the AFC championship game in 2009 and 2010 are gone, including star cornerback Darrelle Revis.

With new general manager John Idzik in place, one could assume that head coach Rex Ryan is already on the hot seat. The same could be said for quarterback Mark Sanchez, after the Jets used a second-round pick on West Virginia product Geno Smith back in April.

Oh, and the New York Post has reported that top receiver Santonio Holmes believes he will miss the first month of the regular season.

At least New York doesn't have to deal with the Tim Tebow drama anymore.

28. San Diego Chargers

Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAThe Chargers will have a new offensive philosophy in 2013.

Once the bullies of the AFC West division, the San Diego Chargers have fallen off in recent years, and posted a disappointing 7-9 record in 2012.

This led to the firing of head coach Norv Turner and the hiring of former Broncos offensive coordinator Mike McCoy.

McCoy has worked wonders for the Broncos offense over the past couple of seasons, and if he can guide quarterback Phillip Rivers and Co. to similar success early in 2013, the Chargers could be on their way back to the top of the division.

If implementing his system takes time, however, the Chargers could find themselves battling the Oakland Raiders for last place.

27. Philadelphia Eagles

Howard Smith-USA TODAY SportsEveryone is waiting to see what Chip Kelly has in store for the Eagles.

With a new, unproven head coach in Chip Kelly, and an unsettled quarterback situation, the Philadelphia Eagles may have a difficult time improving on least year's disappointing 4-12 record.

With a three-way quarterback competition between Michael Vick, Nick Foles and rookie Matt Barkley on deck for the preseason, there will be plenty to watch in Philadelphia.

However, the biggest unknown for the Eagles is Kelly, who has never held a coaching position of any kind in the NFL.

The up-tempo offense Kelly ran at Oregon made him a sought-after candidate during the offseasons head coaching search. However, no one knows quite what to expect from the Eagles offense in 2013, or how well the team's personnel will adapt to it.

If everything can come together during the preseason, the Eagles just might find themselves back in the thick of the NFC East race, but as of now, this team's future is uncertain.

26. Cleveland Browns

The Cleveland Browns have the potential to be a major surprise in 2013.

With a new coaching staff that includes proven coordinators in Norv Turner and Ray Hoton, both the offense and defense appears to be in good hands.

The team also boasts several young playmakers, including running back Trent Richardson, wide receiver Josh Gordon, rookie pass-rusher Barkevious Mingo and offseason acquisition Paul Kruger.

The biggest question for the Browns is at quarterback, where 29-year-old, second-year man Brandon Weeden showed promise (3,385 yards passing), but also inconsistency (17 interceptions) as a rookie in 2012.

Weeden's progress may be hampered by a two-game suspension for Gordon to start the season, but if the former Oklahoma State star can solidify the quarterback position, but Browns could prove to be surprisingly competitive in the AFC North.

25. Detroit Lions

The Detroit Lions had a down year in 2012, posting a disappointing 4-12 record, despite boasting the greatest single-season receiving performance (1,964 yards) in history by wideout Calvin Johnson.

The key to improvement for the Lions in 2013 will be finding balance on offense.

The team ranked second int eh league in passing (307.9 yards per game), but 23rd in rushing (100.8 yards per game).

The team brought in former Dolphins and Saints running back Reggie Bush during the offseason, which should help add some punch to the ground game as well as a proven receiving option out of the backfield.

While the Lions should have little trouble improving on last year's record, they face extremely tough divisional competition in Chicago, Green Bay and Minnesota.

22. Tennessee Titans

Jim Brown-USA TODAY SportsThe Titans have the look of an improved team in 2013.

The Tennessee Titans face an uphill battle in the competitive AFC South this season.

Last year, the team ranked just 23rd offensively (20.6 points per game) and dead last in the league defensively (29.4 points per game allowed).

However, if running back Chris Johnson can find his rhythm early in 2013, the team could still prove to be competitive. Johnson managed to rush for 1,243 yards last season, despite less than ideal blocking up front.

The Titans acquired guard Andy Levitre and drafted Alabama lineman Chance Warmack during the offseason, which should help Johnson be much more effective this season.

If third-year quarterback Jake Locker can take a step forward, the Titans could surprise, but will still likely sit behind the Texans and Colts in the division.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Kim Klement-USA TODAY SportsDarrelle Revis is the face of a revamped Buccaneers defense.

Just a couple of short years ago, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were seen as one of the league's up-and-coming young teams.

Over the past two seasons, however, the team has fallen back to mediocrity, posting a disappointing 11-21 record in that time.

There were some bright spots last season, however, including then-rookie running back Doug Martin, who rushed for 1,474 yards and 11 touchdowns.

The Buccaneers made it a point to upgrade their 10th-ranked defense (24.6 points per game allowed in 2012) during the offseason, bringing in former Jets star Darrelle Revis and spending a second-round draft pick on Mississippi State cornerback Johnthan Banks.

A lot is going to depend on the play of fifth-year quarterback Josh Freeman, who may have rookie third-round pick Mike Glennon looking over his shoulder, should he falter.

18. St. Louis Rams

Jeff Curry-USA TODAY SportsThe Rams have a lot to prove this preseason.

The St. Louis Rams made some strides last season under new head coach Jeff Fisher.

The team finished with a respectable 7-8-1 record, just a year after going 2-14.

Both the defense (14th in the league with 21.8 points per game allowed) and offense (25th with 18.7 points per game) were average at best, but the Rams proved to be extremely competitive in the NFC West, posting a 4-1-1 record within the division.

As long as St. Louis can continue to play well against divisional opponents, it will be difficult to keep them out of the playoff conversation entirely.

The toughest task may be trying to find a reliable replacement for longtime star Steven Jackson, who has rushed for more than 1,000-yards in each of the last eight seasons.

17. Minnesota Vikings

Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY SportsCan Christian Ponder lead the Vikings to the playoffs for a second consecutive year?

The Minnesota Vikings were a surprise playoff team in 2012, thanks in no small part to the tough running of one Adrian Peterson.

Fresh off a 2,097-yard campaign, Peterson looks to again carry the Vikings offense in 2013, but just might have a little more help this time around.

Minnesota brought in free agent receiver Greg Jennings and used a first-round draft pick on Tennessee wideout Cordarrelle Patterson. The duo should help alleviate some of the pressure placed on Peterson and should aid in the development of third-year quarterback Christian Ponder.

The Vikings are likely to go as far as Ponder can take them this season. If the Florida State product continues to play at an inconsistent level, the team may be hard-pressed to make a return trip to the postseason.

However, if Ponder can take a few steps forward, the Vikings may be a hard team to count out.

16. Pittsburgh Steelers

Since 2000, the Pittsburgh Steelers have posted just one losing season and have made eight playoff appearances and earned two Super Bowl victories in that span.

2012 proved to be a down year, however, as injuries and inconsistency forced the Steelers into a third-place finish in the AFC North.

Pittsburgh responded by taking Michigan State running back Le'Veon Bell in the second-round of April's draft. Oregon State wideout Markus Wheaton was added in the third to help offset the loss of Mike Wallace, who left for Miami in free agency.

Georgia linebacker Jarvis Jones was selected in the first round, and if he can continue to be a pass-rushing force as a pro, he should significantly help a defense that allowed just 275.8 yards per game (first in the league) in 2012.

As long as quarterback Ben Roethlisberger can remain healthy, the Steelers should contend for a playoff spot, but may have a difficult time overtaking the Ravens and Bengals in the division.

15. Dallas Cowboys

Andrew Weber-USA TODAY SportsWill preseason victories lead to regular season success for the Cowboys?

The only team to notch a preseason victory thus far, the Dallas Cowboys are hoping their winning ways carries over to the regular season.

After a pair of 8-8 campaigns in 2011 and 2012, the Cowboys have undergone some serious changes in the coaching department.

Offensive play-calling duties have been taken from head coach Jason Garrett and handed to coordinator Bill Callahan, while the defense has been revamped under new coordinator Monte Kiffin.

Dallas appears poised to take a step forward in 2013, but a lot will depend on the performance of quarterback Tony Romo, who was granted a six-year, $108 million contract extension during the offseason.

14. New Orleans Saints

After making the playoff for three consecutive years (including a Super Bowl win following the 2009 campaign), the New Orleans Saints found themselves 0n the outside looking in last season.

A big reason for the Saints' falloff was the absence of suspended head coach Sean Payton, who has completely turned the franchise around during his time in New Orleans.

The presence of quarterback Drew Brees should ensure that the Saints offense continues to be among the league's most explosive in 2013, and a few step forward defensively could catapult the team back into the NFC South race.

With Payton back in the fold it is hard to keep the Saints out of the playoff conversation two years in a row.

13. Washington Redskins

Geoff Burke-USA TODAY SportsRobert Griffin's health could determine the Redskins' chances in the NFC East this season.

The Washington Redskins were one of several surprise teams in 2012, and one of three teams to reach the playoffs with a rookie quarterback leading the way.

Robert Griffin III has become the epitome of the new breed of NFL quarterback, and as long as he can return from last season's knee injury at 100 percent, the Redskins should have a chance to vie for the NFC East crown in 2013.

However, Griffin is not expected to perform in preseason action, and there is no guarantee that he will be able to perform at the same high level (3,200 yards passing, 815 yards rushing and 27 total touchdowns) that he did a season ago.

If Griffin can prove he is the same dynamic quarterback we saw last season, the Redskins should move quickly up rankings.

8. Houston Texans

Troy Taormina-USA TODAY SportsCan the Texans break through to the next level in 2013?

After defeating the Bengals in the opening round of the playoffs the past two seasons, it is time for the Houston Texans to push for an even deeper postseason run.

Boasting the league's seventh-ranked scoring offense in 2012 (26 points per game) the Texans offense may be even better with the addition of rookie wideout DeAndre Hopkins.

The defense, which was ninth in the league (20.7 points per game allowed) last season, should be bolstered by the addition of free agent safety Ed Reed and the return of injured star linebacker Brian Cushing.

The Texans will need to hold off the upstart Colts in the division, but appear headed to yet another playoff appearance.

6. Baltimore Ravens

Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY SportsCan the Ravens successfully defend their title in 2013?

It is always difficult not to put the defending Super Bowl champions at the top of any preseason list, but at this point it appears the Baltimore Ravens are just a couple of steps below some of the other teams around the league.

The biggest loss from a talent perspective is that of wide receiver Anquan Boldin. Boldin helped transform the league's 16th-ranked offense (24.9 points per game) into a champion during the postseason last season.

In fact, the addition of rookie running backs Eddie Lacy and Johnathan Franklin should bring more balance, and potentially more success, to an offensive unit that averaged 27.1 points per game (13th in the league) a season ago.

The Packers defense is more than adequate (ranked 11th in the league, allowing 21 points per game last season), and should provide Green Bay with a fighting chance of returning to the Super Bowl in 2013.

3. Atlanta Falcons

Dale Zanine-USA TODAY SportsIs it time for No. 2 and the Falcons to become No. 1?

The Atlanta Falcons finally secured that elusive postseason victory in 2012 and will look to go even deeper into the playoff this season.

With future Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez back for one more run and with star running back Steven Jackson along for the ride, last season's eighth-ranked offense (26.2 points per game) should be even better in 2013.

2. Denver Broncos

Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY SportsThe Broncos appear to be the cream of the AFC crop this season.

The Denver Broncos nearly reached the AFC title game last season, and had the league's fourth-ranked scoring defense (18.1 points per game) not faltered against the Ravens in the divisional round, the team may have went on to win it all.

The offseason saw the Broncos strengthen an already potent offense with the addition of free agent receiver Wes Welker and the drafting of rookie running back Montee Ball.

However, the departure of pass-rusher Elvis Dumervil and the pending four-game suspension of linebacker Von Miller prevent Denver from claiming the top spot in the power rankings.

Still, the Broncos appear to be the team to beat in the AFC and one of the top contenders in the league, heading into the preseason.

1. San Francisco 49ers

Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY SportsHead coach Jim Harbaugh hopes to lead the 49ers back to the Super Bowl...with a different outcome this time around.

The San Francisco 49er fell just a few plays short of taking home the Lombardi Trophy in 2012.

On paper, it appears the team has the necessary pieces to finish the job this season.

The league's second-ranked scoring defense (17.1 points per game) from a year ago remains largely intact, while quarterback Colin Kaepernick enters his first full season as the starter in charge of a rather impressive offensive group.

Running back Frank Gore and tight end Vernon Davis should continue to be among the best at their respective positions in 2013, and the addition of Super Bowl champion wideout Anquan Boldin should help offset the loss of injured receiver Michael Crabtree.

Continuity will be key for San Francisco, who at this point seems to be the league's most complete team.